Large object of ice and rock found beyond Pluto
astronomers have found a large world of ice and rock circling the Sun beyond the most distant planet Pluto. Preliminary observations suggest it may be up to 1,800 kilometres across, making it the largest body to be discovered orbiting the Sun since Pluto was discovered in 1930. Designated as 2004 dw, the object was detected on February 17, 2004, by astronomers from the us-based California Institute of Technology and the Yale University.
The astronomers assert that 2004 dw cannot be designated as a planet as of yet, since it could be a type of object called 'plutino'. Such objects have an orbit related to Pluto's path around the Sun.
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